CPS and police urge victims to come forward as domestic abuse risks rise during tournaments
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has urged victims of domestic abuse to seek help and come forward during the World Cup, warning that incidents are likely to increase during the tournament and stressing that support services are available. In a statement issued on 23 June 2026, prosecutors said major football tournaments are often associated with a rise in domestic abuse cases and stressed that such offences will be treated as serious crimes and prosecuted.
Olivia Rose, the CPS National Stalking Lead, said prosecutors regularly see an increase in domestic abuse incidents during major football competitions and expressed concern about recurring patterns linked to tournament periods. The CPS cited research from Lancaster University indicating that domestic abuse incidents increase by 26% when England plays and by 38% when the team loses.
Data published by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) showed that more than 300 domestic abuse offences were reported during the Euro 2024 tournament, where victims believed the offender’s behaviour was linked to football. The CPS emphasised that domestic abuse can affect anyone and is not limited to physical violence. It said abuse can involve psychological, emotional, financial and controlling behaviour that can have a significant impact on victims.
Rose stressed that football itself does not cause domestic abuse but said factors associated with major sporting events, including increased alcohol consumption and heightened emotions, can exacerbate situations. She added that there is never any excuse for abusive behaviour.
According to the CPS, its latest figures show that 81.1% of domestic abuse-flagged cases referred by police and requiring a CPS charging decision resulted in charges being authorised during the third quarter of 2025/26, equivalent to around four in five cases. Rose said the CPS remains committed to building strong cases alongside police and holding offenders to account.
She also encouraged victims experiencing abuse to come forward, emphasising that support services are available and that those reporting offences will be listened to.
The CPS said it works closely with criminal justice partners to support victims throughout the legal process. Independent Domestic Violence Abuse Advisors are available to assist victims, while special measures can be provided to vulnerable or intimidated witnesses to help them give evidence in court.
Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, the national policing lead for domestic abuse, said police and prosecutors would continue working together throughout the tournament to identify offenders, secure evidence, and bring perpetrators to justice. Rolfe said the priority remains protecting those at risk of domestic abuse and supporting victims who need help.
The CPS added that it continues to work with police under the Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan, which aims to align investigation and prosecution strategies from the earliest stages of a case to improve outcomes and increase the likelihood of successful prosecutions.